Harley Benton Amarok 7 LH BKNT Flame Burst

Harley Benton Amarok 7 LH BKNT Flame Burst review

Left-handed players looking for a seven-string often have fewer models to choose from, especially at a moderate price. The Harley Benton Amarok 7 LH BKNT Flame Burst addresses that gap with a 648 mm scale, neck-through construction, locking tuners, stainless steel frets, and a pair of EMG humbuckers. It was listed at 519, with a matching case available separately. A case and gig bag are not included.

The available specifications differ on the body wood: one listing identifies nyatoh, while the detailed construction description says mahogany. Both describe a flamed maple veneer on top. The guitar has a black natural flame burst matte finish, black hardware, an arched body, and wood binding. Its appearance drew consistent praise from owners, who describe the finish and overall presentation as striking for the price.

Construction and neck feel

The five-piece neck runs through the body and alternates maple and mahogany. That construction, along with the matching headstock, gives the instrument a cohesive look. The Macassar ebony fingerboard has 24 jumbo stainless steel frets, white offset pearloid dot inlays, and glow-in-the-dark markers along the edge. The fingerboard radius is 355.6 mm, and the graphite nut measures 48 mm wide.

The slim Modern C neck is specified at 21 mm thick near the first fret and 23 mm at the twelfth. Players who like a fast, relatively slim neck may find it comfortable for extended runs and chord changes across seven strings. One owner highlighted the smooth feel and praised the fretwork on their instrument. Individual setup and fret condition can vary, but the report suggests the guitar can arrive ready to play with little adjustment.

Its 648 mm scale is the same length as a standard 25.5-inch guitar scale. That can feel familiar to players moving from a six-string, though the shorter length gives the lowest string less tension than a longer-scale seven-string would at the same tuning and string gauge. One player found the factory setup too loose for their preferred low tuning and needed thicker strings and a professional setup to resolve intonation. Another reported that the guitar was nearly in tune straight out of the box. Those experiences point to a practical distinction: standard tuning may need little attention, while alternate tunings and heavier low strings can call for careful setup.

Pickups and hardware

The pickup set pairs an EMG Retro Active Hot 70 ceramic humbucker at the bridge with an Alnico 5 version at the neck. Controls are straightforward, with master volume, master tone, and a three-way selector. Owners who play heavier music praised the pickups' punch and described the sound as well suited to metal. Another player liked the guitar overall but did not care for the pickup voicing. That difference is a matter of taste, and players with a specific preferred sound may want to compare the stock pickups against alternatives before buying.

A WSC HPS-7 Custom hardtail bridge keeps the string path simple and provides a stable surface for palm muting. One reviewer found it comfortable for tight muted riffs and low-string chugging. The Jinho JN-03L locking tuners are a useful feature for string changes, while the dual-action truss rod allows adjustment in either direction when the neck needs correction. There is no tremolo system.

Playing experience and value

The Amarok 7 ships with.010,.059 strings. That set may suit some players, but string choice depends on tuning, touch, and the amount of tension desired on the low string. Several owners changed gauges to suit alternate tunings. If you plan to use a tuning substantially lower than standard, budget time for setup and consider asking a guitar technician to check the neck relief, bridge intonation, and string gauge together.

Reports on quality are largely positive, with owners praising the feel, finish, fretwork, and overall value. One buyer did report a loose wire at the output jack that required soldering. That is not evidence of a widespread fault, but it is a reminder to check the electronics and connection points when the guitar arrives. Harley Benton lists the instrument as made in Indonesia.

At 519, the Amarok offers left-handed players a substantial feature set, including a neck-through five-piece neck, stainless steel frets, locking tuners, and EMG pickups. Its main considerations are the relatively familiar 648 mm scale, which may require a heavier string for lower tunings, and pickup voicing that will not suit every player. For a left-handed guitarist seeking a hardtail seven-string for heavier styles without a high-end budget, it makes a strong case. Just account for the cost of a suitable case and, if needed, a professional setup.